trans-2-Octene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon used as a specialty chemical intermediate in organic synthesis and research. It serves as a model compound for studying olefin reactions such as isomerization, metathesis, hydrogenation, and epoxidation. In industrial applications, it is employed in the production of fine chemicals, including alcohols, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids through processes like oxidation and hydroformylation. While it can participate in copolymerization for polymers and plastics to enhance properties, it is less common than terminal olefins for large-scale production. Additionally, it acts as a solvent in select laboratory and industrial settings and contributes to the manufacture of synthetic lubricants and surfactants.